After a decade away from the music scene, though never too far away from the celebrity press, Boy George is back with a new single and a UK tour which will include a performance at the new Lincoln Theatre Royal.
Boy George, real name George O’Dowd, had great success in the 80’s as front man of hit band, Culture Club. Known also as a DJ, the now not-so boyish George, has continually reinvented himself throughout the decades. His surprise return to music, he says, is due to the revival of the industry.
“I retreated from music when all the boy bands and manufactured music started to become popular, because I felt what I was doing was out of place.”
“It’s hard to be expressive when the culture is only interested in superficial music,” George says, “but now there is a bit of soul and emotion with the likes of Amy Winehouse and Duffy, [so] it feels like a good time to be involved again.”
The one-month tour, which began in early April, has already seen packed out venues for its London Leicester Square performances. George promises that it will cover an assortment of songs and genres.
“I will be performing many of my classics songs; lots of Culture Club stuff and some solo material, a few newer songs and some unusual cover versions.
“My show is very eclectic and we switch between styles, sometimes a bit glam rock, the pop style, gospel, jazz, we throw it all in. I want my show to bring a smile to the audience.”
George’s music style is a reflection of his years of experience and involvement with the industry. But it’s not just the previous four decades of music that has influenced his new tour, but it is also more recent music that has really inspired him.
“I was a teenager in the 70’s and it was a very eclectic period for music. The most obvious influence would be David Bowie, both his sound and appearance. Also, Marc Bolan & T-Rex, The Stylistics, and Gladys Knight & the Pips.
“I’ve been hooked on the soul strains of Amy Winehouse for quite some time. It’s rare these days to hear a young artist referencing stuff like Ray Charles, Donnie Hathaway and with Winehouse you get great style too.”
Boy George will perform at the Lincoln Theatre Royal this Sunday, April 25th. Tickets for the gig cost £25 and £22.50 and can be purchased by visiting the theatre’s website or by calling 01522 519999.